Perioperative body composition changes and their clinical implications in patients with gastric cancer undergoing radical gastric cancer surgery: a prospective cohort study.

[BACKGROUND] This study aimed to investigate perioperative body composition changes and their clinical implications in patients undergoing radical gastric cancer surgery.

[METHODS] Patient data are prospectively collected. Computed tomography scans were conducted within 30 days preoperatively and on the seventh postoperative day to assess skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), skeletal muscle density (SMD), and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). Changes in these parameters between the 2 scans were quantified. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors influencing body composition loss and clinical outcomes.

[RESULTS] A total of 335 patients were included, showing varying degrees of decline in SMI, SMD, and SAT during the perioperative period. Multivariate analysis identified age ≥65 and low handgrip strength as independent risk factors for excessive SMI loss, whereas laparoscopic surgery served as a protective factor. For excessive SMD loss, independent risk factors included preoperative low SMD, Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 score ≥3, and hypoalbuminemia. Moreover, age ≥65 was identified as an independent risk factor for excessive SAT loss, whereas laparoscopic surgery remained protective. Excessive SMI and SMD loss are correlated with increased postoperative complications, prolonged hospital stays, and higher costs. Both excessive losses in SMI and SMD are independently associated with the incidence of postoperative complications. Further analysis revealed that excessive SMD loss (odds ratio, 3.164; 95% CI, 1.214-8.243) independently contributed to readmission risk.

[CONCLUSION] Excessive SMI and SMD loss are associated with adverse clinical outcomes. It is essential to address and improve preoperative modifiable risk factors to reduce perioperative muscle loss and enhance prognosis.